Soil blocking is a seed starting technique that uses small blocks of soil or seed starting mix. There are no containers, no small plastic cells, just the soil itself. The benefit of soil blocking is, of course, you’re not keeping a bunch of plastic containers around to start your seeds in, but also there is no chance for the roots of the seedlings to become bound by a container. The plants roots will reach the edge of the soil block and simply stop growing until the block is planted, the roots come into contact with more soil, and can take off growing again. This reduces the transplant shock.
Today on Just Grow Something I brought back our flower farmer friend, Kathy Gormandy, to talk about how she uses soil blocking on her farm. We also talk about her new retail space, the importance of locally grown florals, and more. It’s a conversation that has me taking a second look at trying soil blocking again this year. Let’s dig in.
References and Resources:
Ep. 117 - Growing Cut Flowers in the Home Garden with Kathy Gormandy
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What Do Florists Spray on Flowers to Keep Them Fresh? - Floral Fantasy Land
Soil-Block Making | A Better Way to Start Seedlings, by Eliot Coleman (johnnyseeds.com)
Kathy Gormandy (@pkfarmflowers) • Instagram photos and videos
https://www.facebook.com/PKFarmlife
Just Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group
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